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Summer Side Dishes

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 Looking for delicious summer side dishes? We’ve got you covered! Check out the best summer side dishes to have you ready in a pinch for any summer cookout. 

SUMMMMMMERRRRRR!!!!

Every time I think of summer now, I can’t help but sing the Olaf song from Frozen. And secretly, sometimes wish I was in winter.  It’s funny because summer was my favorite season growing up.  I mean, no school, no worries, lots of outside time, pools, etc. What kids isn’t going to love that?  Now however, it means more sweating as I chase my kids around in the heat, bugs seem to annoy me way more as an adult, and as a homeowner, more work. Regardless, I do find joy in watching my children love summer, just as much as I remember loving it.

Whether you like the warmer weather or not, you likely are going to attend a cookout or twelve during summer. Typically, unless you are hosting, you are going to be responsible to bring some sort of side dish. Or maybe you are just looking for easy side dishes for your own dinner.  Whatever the reason, we have some of the best summer side dishes from the internet all combined for you in one awesome post.

So, what’s your favorite summer side dishes? For me, I always want corn on the cob. Other favorite summer side dishes would have to be a great pasta salad, baked beans, fruit salad, potato salad, and sometimes just a big chunk of watermelon.

Summer Side Dishes

Now, which dish are you going to go make first? We hope you love this collection of summer side dishes for cookout time; however, if you feel like we missed an amazing dish, feel free to let us know in the comments so we can add it! Enjoy the summer!


Spicy Garlic Grilled Corn on the Cob (Vegan Option Included)

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This Spicy Garlic Grilled Corn on the Cob is the perfect vegetable side dish for your next get together. Cooking corn in the husk on the grill will be your new favorite thing! 

Grilled corn on the cob just screams summer. We love going down to the local farm and grabbing fresh corn on cob throughout the summer season and we’re so sad when it ends. We all, especially our youngest, just love corn on the cob. I remember growing up and my mom would literally drench her corn in melted butter and sprinkle an absurd amount of salt all over one ear.  I used to laugh that she was eating corn soup and the butter was her broth. This recipe is much healthier, but every time I eat corn on the cob, I think about my mom.

How to Grill Corn in Husks

There’s so many ways to cook corn on the cob, but cooking corn in the husk on the grill is one of my favorites. First, soak the corn in water.  After that, carefully pull back the husk to about half an inch from the bottom. Then, remove the corn silks. Next, spread butter and seasoning mix onto the corn. Carefully pull the husks back up. Grill at approximately 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until fork tender, turning every 5 minutes.

How long do you have to soak corn before grilling?

When cooking corn on the cob on the grill, you should soak it in water for 30-60 minutes beforehand. Soaking in water softens the husks, making them easier to work with and get down as far as possible without breaking off.  Soaking corn also allows for more moisture to be retained so the corn doesn’t burn on the grill.

How long do you grill corn?

Grilling corn on the cob is easy peasy! Start by preheating the grill to 400 degrees.  Then, you want to place your corn on the cob in the husk on the grill for 20 minutes, rotating every 5 minutes. This will ensure perfectly cooked corn on the cob. After the 20 minutes, you can slightly peel back the husk and test with a fork. The corn kernels should be soft and easily pierced with a fork.

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Spicy Garlic Grilled Corn on the Cob in Husk
Prep Time
35 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
55 mins
 

This Spicy Garlic Grilled Corn on the Cob is the perfect vegetable side dish for your next get together. Cooking corn in the husk on the grill will be your new favorite thing! 

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: side dish, vegetable dish
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 188 kcal
Author: Larisha Campbell
Ingredients
  • 6 ears corn on the cob
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter (use vegan butter if needed)
  • 3 tsp chili powder, divided
  • 3 tsp garlic powder, divided
Instructions

  1. Soak corn in husk for 30-60 minutes. 

  2. Heat grill to 400 degrees.

  3. Peal back the corn husks without removing them and then remove all the corn silk.

  4. Liberally rub 1 tbsp of butter over each ear of corn. 

  5. Then sprinkle 1/2 tsp chili powder and 1/2 tsp garlic powder over each ear. 

  6. Pull husks back up and over the ear of corn. 

  7. Place on grill and cook for 20 minutes, rotating every 5 minutes. Corn should be tender when pierced with a fork.

Recipe Notes

*Nutritional facts are just estimates. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. 

Nutrition Facts
Spicy Garlic Grilled Corn on the Cob in Husk
Amount Per Serving (1 ear of corn)
Calories 188 Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12g 18%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 30mg 10%
Sodium 38mg 2%
Potassium 287mg 8%
Total Carbohydrates 18g 6%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 5g
Protein 3g 6%
Vitamin A 18.5%
Vitamin C 7.4%
Calcium 1%
Iron 4.4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

**This post was original published on 9/9/2014. Images to the original post are below. 

 

Lemon Butter Green Beans (Vegan Option)

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This easy but delicious Lemon Butter Green Beans recipe will be the perfect side dish for your next meal! Try this vegetable side dish with your next meal! 

 

Funny story. When I was little, I wouldn’t eat green beans.  I went over to a friend’s house for dinner and they were serving green beans. All the kids had ketchup to dip their green beans in and when I said I didn’t like them, my friend’s mom asked if I would try it with ketchup.  I was a kid, so I’d try anything with ketchup.  I actually preferred them that way and from them on I dipped my green beans in ketchup. It was the only way I would eat them. It would be well into my 20s before I tried green beans other ways, let alone fresh green beans. Luckily, I came to my senses.

These lemon butter green beans are so easy and delicious, you’ll wonder why you’ve never tried them before.  And, if somehow, you were like me and scared to try green beans, I’d encourage you to try this recipe before giving them up altogether.

Whether you are looking for a side dish for dinner or an easy potluck side dish recipe, going to a cookout, barbecue or party, this easy vegetable side dish is absolutely one you want to try. You can easily adjust it for a crowd.

How to Make Lemon Butter Green Beans

First, you want to start by rinsing your fresh green beans. Then, trim the ends. Next, you are going to melt butter in a skillet and then throw in your beans.  Add in some lemon juice and lemon zest, as well as salt and pepper. Cook for approximately 8 minutes over medium heat and then they are ready.  It’s that easy to make the perfect vegetable side dish.  This leaves the beans with a little crunch, but you can easily let them cook for a little longer if you prefer to have them softer.

Delicious Entrees to Prepare with Lemon Butter Green Beans

Ready to make these delicious Lemon Butter Green Beans? Here ya go!

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Lemon Butter Green Beans recipe
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
8 mins
Total Time
13 mins
 

This easy but delicious Lemon Butter Green Beans recipe will be the perfect side dish for your next meal! Try this vegetable side dish with your next meal! 

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: side dish, vegetable dish
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 119 kcal
Author: Larisha Campbell
Ingredients
  • 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and washed
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (use vegan butter if vegan or dairy free)
  • 1 lemon
  • salt and pepper
Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. 

  2. Put green beans into melted butter and saute for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

  3. Add zest from half the lemon and juice from all the lemon into the skillet. 

  4. Add salt and pepper until desired taste. 

  5. Stir to combine and cook for another 4 minutes.* 

  6. Remove from heat and serve. 

Recipe Notes

*Cooking beans for 8 minutes will yield a slightly crunchy texture.  For softer beans, cook for a few more minutes until desired texture achieved. 

**Nutritional facts are just estimates. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. 

Nutrition Facts
Lemon Butter Green Beans recipe
Amount Per Serving (0.4 lb)
Calories 119 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 22mg 7%
Sodium 8mg 0%
Potassium 276mg 8%
Total Carbohydrates 10g 3%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Sugars 4g
Protein 2g 4%
Vitamin A 21%
Vitamin C 34.1%
Calcium 5.2%
Iron 7.4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

BBQ Roasted Chickpeas Recipe

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This BBQ Roasted Chickpeas recipe is the easiest toasted chickpea recipe that you need for the summer! Dive in and replace your chips with a healthier alternative! 

My mom despised beans growing up. At least that’s how it was presented to me. Somehow though, occasionally, we would have chili. And for some ungodly reason canned Lima beans. Otherwise, no beans.

I didn’t even know what a garbanzo bean was until mid-20s. Luckily, I’ve expanded my pantry and now even my kids love a whole host of different variety of beans.

Because of this, I didn’t know really what to do with beans besides soups and stews for much of my life. Then, someone told me to roast chickpeas. Now, I like chickpeas cooked, and inside soups, but roasting them blew my mind. It was such a great alternative to chips (and much healthier!)

How to Roast Chickpeas

Roasting chickpeas is simple. You rinse and drain a can of chickpeas.  Then, you drizzle them with olive oil and place into a preheated 450 degree oven. Next, you cook from for 15-20 minutes, until they are nice and crunchy, a deep golden color all around.  Finally, you toss them in your desired rub, like our bbq seasoning below to make BBQ Roasted Chickpeas.  These oven roasted chickpeas will leave you coming back again and again for more.  They are best served the day made. Roasted chickpeas snack is even a hit with the kids!

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BBQ Roasted Chickpeas Recipe
Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
22 mins
 

This BBQ Roasted Chickpeas recipe is the easiest toasted chickpea recipe that you need for the summer! Dive in and replace your chips with a healthier alternative! 

Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: side dish, snack, vegan
Servings: 4
Calories: 36 kcal
Author: Larisha Campbell
Ingredients
  • 1 15oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp brown sugar
  • pinch cayenne
Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees

  2. Pat dry chickpeas and place on baking sheet.

  3. Toss with olive oil

  4. Place in oven to cook for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crunchy. 

  5. While in oven, combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl. 

  6. Remove chickpeas from oven once finished cooking, and toss with the dry seasoning ingredients. 

  7. Serve immediately or store in air tight container. Best enjoyed day made. Eat within 3 days. 

Recipe Notes

**Nutritional facts are just estimates. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. 

Nutrition Facts
BBQ Roasted Chickpeas Recipe
Amount Per Serving (0.5 cup)
Calories 36 Calories from Fat 27
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 3g 5%
Sodium 4mg 0%
Total Carbohydrates 1g 0%
Vitamin A 3.5%
Iron 0.8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Whether you are looking for a healthy snack idea or a side dish for a BBQ, then these BBQ Roasted Chickpeas are just the thing you need!

Pin these BBQ Roasted Chickpeas for later!

Cucumber and Tomato Salad

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This easy and delicious Cucumber and Tomato Salad is the perfect summer side dish! Ready to go in just five minutes, it can be made in a time crunch for the perfect summer BBQ side! 

tomato cucumber onion salad recipe

When I was little, summer time was the best one. For starters, it meant no school and what kid isn’t excited about that.  Secondly, it meant warm weather, water fun, and trips. Again, what kid doesn’t love that. But, I also love that it meant fresh garden veggies.  I loved not only helping grow our garden, but being able to walk outside and take a big bite out of a freshly ripe red tomato straight from the garden.

cucumber tomato salad recipe

A staple in our home was a cucumber and tomato salad during the summer. It was cheap and easy to make, especially when the veggies come from your garden. My mom made hers with mayo and vinegar. I loved it. Truthfully, I still do.  However, I’m trying to not only eat better, but some of my family aren’t big mayo fans.  It was in college that a local pizza spot had cucumber, tomato, onion salad as one of their side dishes. At the time, I wasn’t a huge fan of raw onions, but I tried it when my sister got it and I love it. This 4 ingredient cucumber and tomato salad is similar to that college recipe.

How to Make Cucumber and Tomato Salad

This insanely cucumber tomato salad recipe needs just 4 main ingredients. You start by halving and slicing one large cucumber. Then, largely dice up close to a pound of tomatoes. Next, slice up half of a red onion. Throw it all in a bowl with 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Toss together and done! Making cucumber tomato red onion salad is literally that easy! You can serve immediately or let it sit for a few hours to really merry the flavors together.

Main dishes to serve with Cucumber and Tomato Salad

So you’ve settled on making this cucumber tomato salad recipe for your next get-together, family dinner, or BBQ.  Congrats, you’ve picked one of the easiest summer side dishes! But maybe you’re debating on what main dish to serve!  Here’s five great ideas!

cucumber tomato onion salad

Ready to make this tomato cucumber and onion salad? Here’s the easy recipe!

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Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
 

This easy and delicious Cucumber and Tomato Salad is the perfect summer side dish! Ready to go in just five minutes, it can be made in a time crunch for the perfect summer BBQ side! 

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: garden recipes, side dish, summer recipe, tomato cucumber onion salad, tomato cucumber salad
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 99 kcal
Author: Larisha Campbell
Ingredients
  • 1 large cucumber
  • 3/4 lb tomatoes
  • 1/2 red onion
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing
  • salt & pepper to taste
Instructions

  1. Remove skin and half the cucumber lengthwise. Cut each half into roughly 1/2 inch slices. 

  2. Dice tomatoes. 

  3. Cut red onion into slices then each slice into quarters.  Separate into pieces. 

  4. In a bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. 

  5. Add balsamic vinaigrette dressing. 

  6. Add salt and pepper to taste. 

  7. Toss well to combine. 

  8. Serve immediately or refrigerate and serve within 24 hours. 

Recipe Notes

**Nutritional facts are just estimates. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. 

*Added Salt is not included in nutritional facts

Nutrition Facts
Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Amount Per Serving (4 servings)
Calories 99 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 6mg 0%
Potassium 323mg 9%
Total Carbohydrates 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Sugars 4g
Protein 1g 2%
Vitamin A 15.3%
Vitamin C 18.3%
Calcium 2.2%
Iron 2.2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Pin this Cucumber and Tomato Salad for later!

cucumber and tomato salad easy summer side dish

Meatball Sliders

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This Meatball Sliders recipe is a huge hit with the kids and ready to go in under an hour! Try this delicious Meatball Sliders recipe today!

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Thrive Algae Oil. Thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

At every get together growing up, my aunt would make these delicious homemade meatballs. It was one of the ways my mother could guarantee that I was going to get protein into my body on a busy day with family. They were amazing and it’s always one of the first recipes that I learned how to make. To this day, I still make them and I still love them.

But today, making them means something more. Today, the memories I hope to have with my beloved family recipe, is not my own, but rather, exciting memories of family favorite recipes into my own children. Luckily, I’ve succeeded with this recipe.  Both of our girls love these meatballs. So much so that they ask for seconds.

A New Spin on a Family Favorite

Meatballs are great by themselves (obviously) or put on top or rice or onto a roll. However, meatballs subs are hard for little kids to eat and putting on top of rice isn’t easy when you’re on the move (especially if you have to eat in the car). Today, we’re transforming our family favorite meatballs into a delicious and fun recipe for the whole family – Meatball Sliders! Not only are they a family friendly recipe, but it’s a crowd please and easy to eat on the run. Try them for your next get together or upcoming sports night!

How to Make Meatball Sliders

We start with the basics of our homemade meatball recipe. If you don’t have time, feel free to use large store bought meatballs. Once you form the ingredients into meatballs, then it’s time to get them cooking. We’ve opted to cook the meatballs in New! Thrive Algae Oil. Once the meatballs are cooked, we add spaghetti sauce to the skillet and cook for a few more minutes. Once that sauce is well incorporated with the meatballs, we start making our meatball sliders. We layer mozzarella cheese on top of slider buns with a little more sauce and one meatball. Once layered, we brush an herbed butter mixture on top of the buns and then cook for 12 minutes.  Then done! Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!

What is Thrive Algae Oil?

I know you guys caught that little tidbit in how to make them and your first thought was what is Algae Oil!? Luckily, I’m here to tell you today! Thrive® Algae Oil is an everyday cooking oil that is made from algae and has the highest level of monounsaturated fat (the good fat!) compared to any other cooking oil available. Plus, it has the lowest level of saturated fats (the bad ones!). Swapping out sources of saturated fat for sources of monounsaturated fat, such as Thrive, helps maintain heart health. Additionally, it has a super high smoke point of up to 485 degrees, so you can really turn up the heat.  And lastly, taste. I know you’re all wondering about this. Thrive® Algae Oil actually is a very light, neutral oil, so the food really shines without taking on the taste of the oil.

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Meatball Sliders
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
40 mins
 
This Meatball Sliders recipe is a huge hit with the kids and ready to go in under an hour! Try this delicious Meatball Sliders recipe today!
Course: Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Servings: 18 sliders
Calories: 173 kcal
Author: Larisha Campbell
Ingredients
  • 1 homemade meatball recipe* (only the first 9 ingredients)
  • 2 tbsp Thrive Algae Oil
  • 1.5 cups spaghetti sauce
  • 18 slider buns
  • 9 slices mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp italian seasoning
Instructions

  1. Prepare homemade meatballs according to instructions. 

  2. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat.

  3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

  4. In batches, cook meatballs, making sure not to overcrowd, for 10-12 minutes or until browned on all sides and cooked through. Stir frequently so not to burn. *Add more Thrive Algae Oil between batches if necessary.

  5. Once all the meatballs are cooked, add them back into the skillet with spaghetti sauce. 

  6. Cook for 3-5 more minutes. Then, remove from heat. 

  7. On your slider buns, place a quarter slice of cheese on the bottom, then a little bit of sauce from your skillet, one meatball, a little more sauce, another quarter slice of cheese and the top of the bun. *Use toothpicks to hold together if not staying together.

  8. Place on baking sheet and Repeat with remaining sliders. 

  9. Mix together the melted butter and Italian seasoning and brush mixture across the tops of meatball sliders

  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on top.

  11. Serve

Recipe Notes

*Homemade meatball recipe can be swapped out for store bought meatballs. Look for meatballs at least 2" in diameter. Prepare according to directions.

**Nutritional facts are just estimates. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. 

Nutrition Facts
Meatball Sliders
Amount Per Serving (1 slider)
Calories 173 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Cholesterol 18mg 6%
Sodium 196mg 8%
Potassium 80mg 2%
Total Carbohydrates 17g 6%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Sugars 3g
Protein 6g 12%
Vitamin A 5.3%
Vitamin C 1.7%
Calcium 10.1%
Iron 6.6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Try Thrive® Algae Oil for yourself!  If you are in an ACME market, today, Friday, June 1-June 4 2018 you can try it at an in-store tasting throughout New Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area. Exact dates vary by locations, so contact your local ACME for more information on tastings local to you!

For more information, you can visit Thrive’s website, or check them out on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube!

 

 

Almond Butter Protein Pancakes

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These Almond Butter Protein Pancakes are the perfect breakfast when fueling up for adventures, a long day of swimming, or a great workout. 

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #StartAHealthyRelationship #CollectiveBias

Whether you do crossfit, plan to go swimming for the entire day, or have a long hike ahead of you, you need energy. And that energy comes from the ingredients you put into your body. I didn’t use to be great at getting the proper nutrients into my body before a long day. However, now that I have kids, and seem to be more on the go now than when I was little, I’ve learned to be better. When we know we are going to have long days, we love to start with a protein packed breakfast like these Almond Butter Protein Pancakes.

We love MaraNatha Almond Butter that you can find at your local Walmart store. The richness from the almond butter makes the flavor of these protein pancakes really pop to give you the flavor you crave in the morning.  For this recipe we use the MaraNatha Creamy No Stir Almond Butter. MaraNatha picks only the best heart-healthy California almonds, then roasts and double-grinds them to a delicious, creamy, velvery smoothness. The process makes it super spreadable.
We also love that there’s a MaraNatha No Salt or Sugar Added Almond Butter. No additives in here, just the perfect taste of almonds!

It’s the perfect choices of nut-lovers who love an active, healthy lifestyle. You can easily pair MaraNatha almond butters with fruit when you’re on the run too. Grab MaraNatha at your local Walmart or hover over the image below to shop online.

 

Almond Butter Protein Pancakes

These delicious almond butter protein pancakes will have you fueled up for your next adventures. We start with oat flour, add bananas, MaraNatha Creamy No Stir Almond Butter, and a few other ingredients for one of the best breakfasts you’ve had in a long time. Get even more protein in when you spread MaraNatha on top of the pancakes instead of or with maple syrup.

Earn up to $2 back with Ibotta! 

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Almong Butter Protein Pancakes
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Resting Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 

These Almond Butter Protein Pancakes are the perfect breakfast when fueling up for adventures, a long day of swimming, or a great workout. 

Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: protein pancakes
Servings: 6 pancakes
Calories: 416 kcal
Author: Andrew
Ingredients
  • 1 cup oat flour
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup almond butter
  • 2 bananas, mashed
  • 4 eggs
  • coconut oil, divided
Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine oat flour*, baking powder, and cinnamon. 

  2. Add in almond butter, mashed bananas, and eggs. Mix with a blender, just until well combined. 

  3. Let batter sit for 10 minutes before using. 

  4. Heat a skillet with a small amount of coconut oil over medium. 

  5. Add 1/6 of the batter to a skillet, cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, flip and cook for about 2-3 minutes or until Cooked through. 

  6. Repeat with remaining batter. 

Recipe Notes

**Nutritional facts are just estimates. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. 

**If you do not have oat flour, you can make it by blending old fashioned oats until a flour consistency is achieved.

Nutrition Facts
Almong Butter Protein Pancakes
Amount Per Serving (1 pancake)
Calories 416 Calories from Fat 243
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 27g 42%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 109mg 36%
Sodium 51mg 2%
Potassium 819mg 23%
Total Carbohydrates 31g 10%
Dietary Fiber 6g 24%
Sugars 6g
Protein 15g 30%
Vitamin A 3.7%
Vitamin C 4.1%
Calcium 28.4%
Iron 17.1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Grab off your local Walmart shelves today!

Cranberry Chocolate Energy Bars

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 These delicious no-bake Cranberry Chocolate Energy Bars will have you feeling satisfied and ready to go when you are on the move this year!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Amazing Grass® Green Superfood® Original at Sam’s Club.  Thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Spring is here and the weather is finally seeming to catch up to that memo. The weather has been gorgeous here this week (even with a few rain showers thrown in). This can only mean one thing: we will be out and about very quickly.  Sometimes it feels like as soon as spring weather finally hits, we are out and about often. The girls love being outside. Playing with friends and exploring new places we’ve never been. It also means that I need to be more aware of the food choices we have in our home.

Typically, when we are home often, we eat leftovers for lunch, or things like soup, mac n cheese, etc. However, when we are on the go I need quick meals and snacks that don’t need to be heated up. We love to do salads and sandwiches and for snacks, we love to do fruit and bars. When I was pregnant and then had a new baby, I love our lactation protein bars; however, now, I am loving these Cranberry Chocolate Energy Bars.

Getting more nutrients into your kids

I know with our kids, that if you give them something handheld, made from what appears to be chocolate and tastes even remotely decent, then will devour it. Well, these cranberry chocolate energy bars taste better than decent! They are great! They are packed full of great ingredients like nuts, flaxseed, and Amazing Grass® Green Superfood® Original.

Amazing Grass is a simple way to add greens and get quality nutrients into both your own body and that of your children. With just one scoop, you get to Feel Amazing Everyday™. Amazing Grass is packed with organic greens, fruit, and vegetables. What this does is provide you with natural energy, help your immunity and digestion system, and promote detox to maintain your best health.

You can find Amazing Grass at your local Sam’s Club. And between May 10 – June 4, Sam’s Club is offering a $4.00 savings on every tub of Amazing Grass Green Superfood purchases either in-store or online. There’s also an in-club demo May 19, 2018 at Sam’s Club, so make sure you head out there and taste it for yourself.

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Author: Larisha Campbell
Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup cashew butter (other nut butters would also work)
  • 3/4 cup unsalted almonds, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup cashews, roughly chopped
  • 1/3 cup raw honey
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/3 cup ground flaxseed
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cacao powder
  • 4 scoops Amazing Grass® Green Superfood®
Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together until very well combined. 

  2. Line a 13x9 pan with wax paper.

  3. Spread the mixture across the pan and press down ensuring one even layer. 


  4. Freeze for 3 hours or overnight. 

  5. Cut into desired size bars (we do 12). 

  6. Leave in freezer until ready to eat. When ready, remove one at least 30 minutes before wanting to eat. 

PIN THESE CRANBERRY CHOCOLATE ENERGY BARS FOR LATER!

 

 This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Amazing Grass® Green Superfood® Original.

Ultimate Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

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This Ultimate Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese sandwich recipe is the perfect lunch or dinner sandwich for the whole family! Stack it super high or make a smaller version for the best grilled cheese recipe!

I can’t really pinpoint an exact time that I fell in love with pulled pork, but as a mom, it’s one of my favorite meals.  We alternate between pulled pork and pulled chicken, so feel free to substitute either of these meats in this recipe. We make a slow cooker pulled pork recipe with our homemade BBQ sauce which is one reason I love it so much.

My time as a mom, is limited. Even as a stay-at-home mom, I work from home and I homeschool, so we have a lot going on every day.  I’m constantly on the go and making lists and being able to throw dinner in the crockpot in the morning in under 10 minutes and have it ready at dinner, is a HUGE win for me.

Making a Gourmet Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

Our gourmet pulled pork grilled cheese sandwich has a large combination of toppings. Think of this as a recipe that you would see served at a fun restaurant. Together, this sandwich works magically together. However, we understand that this may be unrealistic or to large for most people (especially littles).  Feel free to alter it however you need.

What toppings go on an ultimate pulled pork grilled cheese: 

  • pulled pork
  • mac and cheese
  • onion rings
  • bacon
  • ham
  • pineapple
  • lettuce
  • smoked gouda slices
  • cream cheese

Clearly, once you start piling these toppings on, you have a giant sandwich. It’s fun to eat though! You can make homemade pulled pork by following our homemade pulled chicken recipe and just sub the chicken for the same amount of pork tenderloin. Use your favorite mac and cheese recipe and then layer everything else between two slices of cooked, garlic texas toast. After that, throw in a skillet with a pat of melted butter and grilled until golden brown on both sides! Voila! Perfect pulled pork grilled cheese sandwich!

Best Side Dishes for Pulled Pork

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Print
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
10 mins
 

This Ultimate Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese sandwich recipe is the perfect lunch or dinner sandwich for the whole family! Stack it super high or make a smaller version for the best grilled cheese recipe!

Course: Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Calories: 1162 kcal
Author: Larisha Campbell
Ingredients
  • 8 slices texas toast, cooked
  • 2 cups pulled pork, cooked
  • 8 onion rings, cooked
  • 1 cup mac and cheese, cooked
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked
  • 8 slices ham, thinly sliced
  • 4 slices fresh pineapple
  • 1/4 cup spring mix lettuce
  • 8 slices smoked gouda cheese
  • 2 oz cream cheese
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Homemade BBQ Sauce, optional
Instructions

  1. On one slice of texas toast layer 1/2 cup pulled pork, 2 onion rings, 1/4 cup mac and cheese, 1 slice bacon, broken in half, 2 slices ham, 1 slice pineapple, 1/4 of the lettuce, 2 slices of smoked gouda, 1/4 oz of cream cheese. Top with another slice of texas toast. 

  2. In a skillet, over medium heat, melt 1/2 tbsp of butter. 

  3. Place sandwich in melted butter for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. 

  4. Carefully flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes. 

  5. Remove from heat and repeat with remaining sandwiches.

Recipe Notes

**Nutritional facts are just estimates. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. 

Nutrition Facts
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Amount Per Serving (1 sandwich)
Calories 1162 Calories from Fat 630
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 70g 108%
Saturated Fat 29g 145%
Cholesterol 201mg 67%
Sodium 2218mg 92%
Potassium 808mg 23%
Total Carbohydrates 71g 24%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Sugars 14g
Protein 63g 126%
Vitamin A 15.1%
Vitamin C 48.7%
Calcium 53.1%
Iron 81.8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Monte Cristo Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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Our Monte Cristo Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a fun play on a traditional french Monte Cristo recipe. Try this delicious monte cristo sandwich and tell us if it’s not one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches you’ve had.  

The first time I ever saw a Monte Cristo sandwich, I was with my sister. We were at a restaurant together when she ordered one and when it came out, I was confused. There was meat and cheese on her sandwich but it was topped with powdered sugar and she told me the sauce was raspberry. After the disgusted look on my face, she made me try it anyway. It was in that moment that I learned the amazingness that is a monte cristo sandwich.

I knew when we were creating our grilled cheese sandwich series that a monte cristo grilled cheese sandwich had to be one of them. It’s such a fun recipe for the entire family. The kids think it’s amazing that we give them powdered sugar on a sandwich. I think the first time we made them, the girls lost we had gone off our rockers.

What is a Monte Cristo Sandwich?

Before we get into our monte cristo grilled cheese sandwich, let’s first discuss what is a monte cristo sandwich. A classic Monte cristo recipe is a fried ham and cheese sandwich.  It was a play on the French croque-monsieur which is a baked ham and cheese sandwich. Some people now use other meats in addition to the ham and it may or may not be fried.  It’s topped with powdered sugar and served with a raspberry sauce.

What sides do you serve with a Monte Cristo Grilled Cheese sandwich?

How to make a Monte Cristo Grilled Cheese sandwich?

5 from 1 vote
Print
Monte Cristo Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
7 mins
Total Time
12 mins
 

Our Monte Cristo Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a fun play on a traditional french Monte Cristo recipe. Try this delicious monte cristo sandwich and tell us if it's not one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches you've had.  

Course: Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, French
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Calories: 901 kcal
Author: Larisha Campbell
Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 slices french toast brioche bread
  • 8 slices Smoked Gouda Cheese
  • 4 slices Swiss Cheese
  • 1 lb smoked ham slices (deli meat)
  • 1/2 lb smoked turkey slices (deli meat)
  • 1 pint fresh raspberries, optional
  • raspberry sauce, optional
  • powdered sugar, optional
Instructions

  1. Using previously cooked french toast bread, butter one side of each of the pieces. 

  2. Heat skillet to medium low. 

  3. Place one slice of bread, butter side down into the pan. 

  4. Layer 2 slices of gouda, 1 slice of Swiss, 1/4 lb of ham and 1/8 lb of turkey slices between two pieces of bread.  Add optional fresh raspberries in layers if desired. 

  5. Place another slice of bread on the top, butter side up. 

  6. Cook for 2 minutes or until golden brown. Flip. 

  7. Cook for another 1-2 minutes or until that side is also golden brown. 

  8. Remove and repeat with remaining sandwiches. 

  9. Top with powdered sugar and serve with raspberry sauce if desired. 

Recipe Notes

**Nutritional facts are just estimates. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. 

Nutrition Facts
Monte Cristo Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Amount Per Serving (1 sandwich)
Calories 901 Calories from Fat 477
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 53g 82%
Saturated Fat 30g 150%
Cholesterol 312mg 104%
Sodium 2288mg 95%
Potassium 666mg 19%
Total Carbohydrates 49g 16%
Dietary Fiber 7g 28%
Sugars 7g
Protein 59g 118%
Vitamin A 28.2%
Vitamin C 37.6%
Calcium 72.7%
Iron 19.6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

PIN THIS MONTE CRISTO GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH FOR LATER!

 

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